Progress Magazine | August 2018

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

VOL. 39 | ISSUE 8 | AUGUST 2018

MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS BOARD LEADERSHIP MODESTO WELCOMES NEW CLASS CHAMBER AMBASSADORS ANSWER THE CALL

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AUGUST 2018 | CONTENTS MISSION STATEMENT

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman

Steven Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc.

Chairman-Elect

Thomas Reeves, City of Modesto

Past Chairman

Modesto City Schools

Eric Tobias, F&M Bank

Vice Chairman, External Operations

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Stephen Madison, STANCO

Vice Chairman, Internal Operations

Patricia Gillum, Patricia A. Gillum,CPA

DIRECTORS

Annie Amies, Vintage Faire Mall Elliot Begoun, The Intertwine Group Brad Blakeley, Edward Jones Investments Paul Holshouser, Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto Michael Howell, Blom & Associates Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Loren Kuntz, Atherton & Associates Naomi Layland, Huff Construction Co, Inc. Craig Lewis, Lewis Capital Advisors DeSha McLeod, Community Hospice Inc. M ichael Moradian, Peace of Mind Pest Control & Home Inspections K athy Monday, Damrell, Nelson, Shrimp, Pallios, Pacher & Silva and Squeeze In Tom Nielsen, Individual Member Peggy O’Donnell, Mid-Valley Promotion Dillon Olvera, Beard Land & Investment Co. Kristin Reza, Bank of Stockton Lucy Virgen, Bank of the West Pete Zahos, Sysco Central California, Inc.

New Bridge Management

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Galletto Ristorante

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Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce 209.577.5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org Graphic Design: 209 Magazine

Chamber Calendar

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Business Before/After Hours

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Announcements

ADVOCACY

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Fighting For Our Water

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Chamber Ambassadors

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Ribbon Cuttings

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Anniversaries

EDUCATION

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State of Business And Education

SERVICE

209.634.9141 • www.209magazine.com

Cover Photo: Modesto City Schools Board of Trustees members. Photo By Virginia Still

209.634.9141 • hvanderveen@209magazine.com

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RELATIONSHIPS

Cecil Russell, President/CEO Modesto Chamber of Commerce CRussell@ModChamber.org

Printer: 209 Magazine

Message from the CEO

COMMUNITY

ADVISORS

Keith Boggs, Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office George Boodrookas, Modesto Junior College Tim Harms, Leadership Modesto Joe Lopez, City of Modesto David White, Opportunity Stanislaus Melissa Williams, Modesto Irrigation District

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Boys & Girls Clubs

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Leadership Modesto: New Class

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Addiction Free Recovery Services

Distribution: 209 Magazine 209.634.9141

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in

209 Magazine dsavage@209magazine.com © Copyright 2018 Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted, however, we require that permission be obtained in writing.

209.577.5757, Progress@ModChamber.org

this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

Stanislaus Family Justice Center

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PROGRESS MAGAZINE 1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354 209. 577.5757 • Fax 209. 577.2673 www.ModChamber.org • Progress@ModChamber.org AUGUST 2018

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

By Cecil Russell, Chamber President and CEO

August has been our annual month to feature Education.

So, just ahead of the start of another school year we are featuring, as our lead article on The Modesto City Schools Board and the new Superintendent, Dr. Noguchi.

They are sharing their vision and plans on the future education of our students. We quizzed them on their direction of raising graduation goals and preparation for a better job readiness for these students graduating. Also, please join us and save the date for our Business and Education Event on September 21st, 7:00am-9:00am at the Martin Peterson Event Center.

Please contact our events coordinator, Trish Christensen for more information.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO / CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

We are also proud to partner with Modesto Junior College to present the Disney Institute: Approach to Leadership Excellence. The Disney Institute offers a world class training experience that one does not want to miss. This event will take place on November 1st, at the MJC West Campus, Mary Stuart Rogers Center.

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We also are reprinting an article from the Modesto Bee on the State Water Board’s re-released proposal that demands 40 percent of our water from the Tuolumne River. Business owners, operators, farmers and any water user in this region need to be in the fight against this massive water grab. The economic impact to our region as a result of these unelected bureaucrats will be devastating.

Assemblyman Adam Gray says, “These special interests

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are desperate to claim the moral high ground and demonize our entire region. They speak about the people of the San Joaquin Valley as if we are parasites on the land and demand we apologize for our very existence.” (The Next Chapter of California’s Water Wars Has Begun). We will partner with Modesto Irrigation District, Turlock Irrigation District, Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, the City of Modesto, Stanislaus County and other stakeholders in this historical battle because this is worth your/our fight.

The State Water Resources Control Board is trying to position this proposal as a “Save the Delta “plan, but do not be fooled. This water grab is their way to compensate for the

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PRESENTATION

STANISLAUS COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING

RIBBON CUTTINGS

CITY SAFETY & COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE MEETING

ATTENDED CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

ATTENDED SPIE BOARD MEETING PRESENTATION

by Gallo Center for the Arts

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL

by MID & TID

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

by Brad Wall & Patrick Kelly

ATTENDED THE CITY FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

ATTENDED COMPREHENSIVE FEES TASK FORCE

PARTICIPATED AS A JUDGE IN THE 14TH ANNUAL JULY 4TH PARADE

MODESTO CENTER PLAZA 30TH ANNIVERSARY PLANNING ANNIVERSARY MEETING

ATTENDED MEETING CONCERNING THE DOWNTOWN HOSPITALITY PROGRAM

ATTENDED LEADERSHIP STEERING COMMITTEE

ATTENDED STATE OF BUSINESS AND EDUCATION MEETINGS

additional water they will send from the Sacramento River to Southern California. They have rejected the thousands of testimonies from our region and most importantly, the science that clearly rebuts their “experts”.

The State Water Board didn’t consider how this plan would dramatically reduce water that is currently being used for the City of Modesto’s drinking water supply and our farming community to grow the food that feeds all of us. Water is the foundation of our economy. Simply said – no water, no crops, no jobs, no economy. Please educate yourselves and join the fight against this State Water Resources Control Board. Our future and the future of our children and grandchildren depend on this fight.

At the same time as the State Water Resources Control Board’s massive water grab, MID and TID are in the process of relicensing the Don Pedro Project – dam, reservoir, powerhouse with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Here is additional info from Assemblyman Gray: The State Water Board’s final Bay-Delta plan is out! This is our last chance to make our voices heard. Despite thousands of comments on the draft, the Water Board made minimal changes and is still planning to double the amount of water taken from our rivers. If adopted, this will devastate our economy and our way of life.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Here’s how you can get involved: 1) Submit your comments about this flawed plan directly to the Water Board by emailing: LSJR-SD-Comments@ waterboards.ca.gov 2) Attend our Water Rally on August 20th at Noon on the North Steps of the State Capitol.

Again, thank you for your continued advocacy and please know that I remain committed to doing everything in my power to defend our region from this dangerous proposal.

-Adam Gray

© Modesto Irrigation District

As part of the integrated licensing process, the Districts have conducted over 35 studies including water quality, fish, and wildlife, recreation, tribal resources and many others. Based on the results of these studies, MID and TID have developed a comprehensive management plan for the Tuolumne River, known as the Tuolumne River Management Plan. Implementation of this plan will lead to solutions that benefit all – the Tuolumne River, Don Pedro Dam, MID, TID, various other stakeholder agencies and most importantly our communities.

The Tuolumne River Management Plan will also play a vital role with the State Water Resources Control Board as it’s a balanced solution that will meet – and even exceed – the state’s supposed fish population goals. Our region is currently faced with two significant water issues that need our attention and support to protect our jobs, our economy and our way of life.

Lighting rebates

HVAC rebates

High efficiency motor rebates

AUGUST 2018

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CHAMBER CALENDAR AUGUST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1 COMMITTEE MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 7:30 AM

7:30 AM

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BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS Valley First Credit Union 7:30 AM

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STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 9:00 AM

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS JS West & Companies 7:00 AM

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Stanislaus Family Justice Center 5:30 PM

HARVEST LUNCHEON MJC ACE Ag Pavilion 11:30 AM

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 12:00 PM

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 9:00 AM

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AMBASSADOR/WELCOME TEAM MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 8:00 AM

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Sysco 5:30 PM

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 12:00 PM

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STATE OF BUSINESS AND EDUCATION Petersen Event Center 7:00 AM

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MODESTO CENTER PLAZA 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Modesto Center Plaza 5:00 PM

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS Valley First Credit Union 7:30 AM

CHAMBER CALENDAR

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SEPTEMBER LABOR DAY 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 5 Modesto Chamber of Commerce**

**The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is located at 1114 J St., Modesto

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Sysco 5:30 PM

To execute our adopted mission we have developed an acronym that helps keep us focused.

That acronym is “CARES: Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Education and Service.�

COMMUNITY At its heart the Modesto Chamber is a community of likeminded business owners who share the vision for enjoying a thriving economy and creating and maintaining our community as a vibrant place to live, work and play. The Modesto Chamber is the go-to resource and facilitator of ideas and communication for nonprofits, governmental agencies, and community leaders. More than just a business club, the Modesto Chamber strives to affect its environment for positive transformation by supporting change agents in the community.

EDUCATION The Chamber serves the education community by hosting the annual State of Business and Education event, by fund-raising for local students at the Ag Aware and Harvest Luncheon annual series, and partnering with local schools and colleges to train and educate young men and women, all in keeping with our pledge to help provide a ready workforce to serve local employers. Additionally, the Chamber educates its members on practical solutions and best practices through its Progress Magazine articles, monthly Chamber University and Seeds of Success speaker series, workshops and seminars, monthly committee meetings, and SCORE counseling.

ADVOCACY Chamber Staff, Board of Directors and many of our topical committees, such as Economic Development and Government Relations, are engaged and proactively representing our members by addressing business initiatives, addressing issues in our community and working to relieve the regulatory burdens businesses endure due to local and state governments. The Modesto Chamber gets results, as shown by recent victories in forming more rational ADA legislation, defeating a no-growth measure, electing business friendly candidates, working alongside others to pass Measure L, a local self-help transportation measure, and championing for more water for our agribusiness, industry and citizens. By working together, our members are stronger together than they could ever be on their own.

RELATIONSHIPS

The Modesto Chamber specializes in building relationships among business and serving as the nexus to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies. We host monthly networking events, annual special events, an annual trade show, and our long-running Gala. Members also may serve on committees or go through the Leadership Modesto program where they will build longterm relationships with key leaders in the business world and local community.

SERVICE The Chamber believes in service to the community and to its members. The Chamber Board and staff are active on many nonprofit and government committees, donating their business expertise, time and resources. The Chamber also serves its individual members by hosting ribbon cuttings which introduce a new business to the community, valuable and cost effective (free) marketing opportunities, exposure to social media, workshops and training for our business partners and their associates, and other free and discounted resources.

C - Community A - Advocacy R - Relationships E - Education S - Service

AUGUST 2018

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BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS Please join us for Business Before Hours August 9th at 7:30 am 1419 J Street Modesto, CA 95354 (August) Business Before Hours:

Valley First Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative that provides quality financial services to the growing and diverse counties of Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare. The credit union has over $617 million in assets and serves more than 69,900 members with eight branches throughout the Central Valley.

Since 1949, the credit union has offered its members higher dividend rates on savings, lower interest rates on loans and is committed to providing excellent service. Championing the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People”, Valley First takes pride in serving members’ community not only as a financial institution but through community involvement and charitable causes.

VALLEY FIRST TAKES PRIDE IN SERVING MEMBERS’ COMMUNITY NOT ONLY AS A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BUT THROUGH COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND CHARITABLE CAUSES.

Please join us for Business After Hours August 16th at 5:30 pm (August) Business After Hours:

The Stanislaus Family Justice Center (SFJC) offers compassion and hope to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking through collaborative and coordinated services with county agencies and other non-profits. These services are offered at no cost to the client and in one safe place on a walk-in basis. Their on-site county partners are Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Community Services Agency/CAIRE Center, District Attorney’s Office, and the Sheriff’s Department. Our non-profit partners are Haven Women’s Center, Without Permission, Sierra Vista Children and Family Services and Center for Human Services. The SFJC programs include Civil Legal Assistance, Trauma Support Services (Mental Health), Chaplaincy and Child Care.

Are you interested in hosting a BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS or BUSINESS AFTER HOURS in 2018?

“OUR MAIN GOAL IS TO PROVIDE GOOD SERVICE AND QUALITY PRODUCTS. WE HAVE

Valley First continues to focus on enhancing their members’ experiences and strengthening their presence in the Central Valley. Valley First Credit Union – serving the community you call home.

A SMALL STAFF OF AROUND 30 AND A LOW TURNAROUND.” Contact Events Coordinator, Trish Christensen, today!

209.577.5757 or tchristensen@modchamber.org

COMMUNITY

S T U D I O 2 0 9 . T V

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

BRIGHTWOOD COLLEGE PREPARING THE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE

Skilled healthcare workers are currently in very high demand throughout the United States. At Brightwood College in Modesto, Campus President Bill Jones and his team are busy creating a well-prepared workforce to meet that demand.

“We provide the healthcare industry in Modesto and surrounding areas with a well-trained source of entry-level personnel,” Jones said. “We’re preparing a workforce of skilled, prepared applicants for the local healthcare community.”

Brightwood College, which has served Modesto students continuously since 1985 and was originally named Andon College, currently has nearly 350 students enrolled. The school offers six programs: Dental Assistant, Respiratory Care, Medical Office Specialist, Medical Assistant, and Therapeutic Health Technician. The Respiratory Care program is an Associate of Occupational Studies, while students earn diplomas in the other programs.

Jones said most of Brightwood College’s students are between the ages of 19 and 30. Many of them work, he said, and classes are designed and scheduled to offer students maximum flexibility.

also taught how to be professional — the importance of being on time, how to work with others, how to leave jobs, and many other very important skills.

“Our graduates leave here ready to do their job,” he said, “and also ready to become valued, contributing professionals.”

Brightwood College works with local healthcare employers to locate open positions and provide appropriate applicants.

“We assist with the screening process to make sure it’s a good match,” Jones said.

He added that while many Brightwood College students are working adults who want to either change or advance their career, “we are also a good option for high school graduates who are not ready or immediately interested in college. We offer them — and all our students — concentrated career development and we stick with them. Our ultimate goal is to help them be successful. And that’s good not only for them, but for everyone in our community.”

“We have day and evening programs which provide flexibility for people who work and go to school,” Jones said. “The courses are concentrated, and programs can be completed in as little as nine months to two years.”

Jones emphasized all programs at Brightwood College include hands-on learning.

“Our students have lots of hands-on experience,” he said. “We go way beyond book learning.”

He noted that all the programs require externship/practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience as part of the curriculum.

“Students are required to complete a minimum of 200 hours of work,” Jones said.

He added that most of these externships are done locally at offices, clinics, and labs throughout Modesto.

“The companies get extra help, and the students learn through on-the-job experience. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

In addition, Jones explained Brightwood College has a robust Career Development department, with an entire team devoted to helping students prepare to find jobs and join the workforce.

“All our students are required to complete a comprehensive career preparation course,” Jones said, explaining the course includes instruction in how to dress professionally, fill out applications, write a résumé, and perform in an interview. The students are

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AUGUST 2018

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BOARD OF EDUCATION Focused On The Future

Article Written With Contributions From The Chamber Staff

Modesto City Schools District is entering into an exciting and dynamic new school year with a new superintendent, new Board members, and facility bond measures for the elementary schools on the November ballot. The Chamber sat down with each Board member and the new superintendent, Sara Noguchi, Ed.D., to discuss our schools and the challenges and changes that lie ahead.

Dr. Sara Noguchi

ADVOCACY

Modesto City Schools District is the largest school district in Stanislaus County. The District educates approximately 30,000 students each year from preschool to adult education. The District has 34 schools, including 22 elementary schools, four junior high schools, and seven comprehensive high schools, and an extensive alternative education program. The District boasts a high school graduation rate of 93.1 percent, which is significantly higher than the state and county average. Approximately 70 percent of the District’s students are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged and receive a free or reduced lunch. The District’s food service department focuses on serving local fruits and vegetables to students. Approximately 39 percent of the District’s K – eighth grade students are English language learners and approximately 10 percent of the District’s high school students are English language learners. The District serves students in all of Modesto, Salida, Empire, part of Riverbank, and part of Ceres.

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The District is governed by an elected Board of Education, which is made up of seven members. Amy Elliott Neumann, who was elected at large to the Board in 2011, serves as President. Ms. Neumann is a local attorney, who graduated from Modesto City Schools. She is also one Amy Neumann of two parents of current Modesto City School students. John Walker is a senior software engineer, who was elected at large to the Board in 2015, and currently serves as Vice President. Mr. Walker is also a parent of two Modesto City School students. Cindy Marks is the longest serving member on the Board. She was first elected in 1997, and was elected in 2017, as the board member for Trustee Area 1. Ms. Marks was elected to and served as the California School Boards Association president in 2013. Chad Brown was appointed to the Board in 2016, and elected as the board member for Trustee Area 3 in 2017. Mr. Brown is a businessman in property management and specializes in maintaining aging facilities. Adolfo Lopez is

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

a community outreach coordinator and graduate of Modesto City Schools and the University of California, Merced. Mr. Lopez was elected as the board member for Trustee Area 7 in 2017. Charlene West, Ed.D., is a recently retired school counselor. Dr. West was elected as a board member for Trustee Area 5 Chad Brown in 2017. John Ervin, III was recently appointed to fill a vacancy created by a board member’s resignation. Mr. Ervin is an educator and director of a student mentoring program, Project Uplift. He will join the Board as a voting member at large in August.

This is a diverse Board with a wide variety of skills and backgrounds. Although the Board members are all very different, the common denominator is that they each have a passion for children and education. There is a strong sense of unity and respect for each other. The Board is passionate and dedicated to Charlene West creating a better, brighter future for students in our community. This talented Board is ready to work as a team with the new superintendent, Dr. Noguchi, to raise student achievement and address facility needs.

In May, the Board hired Dr. Sara Noguchi as the new Superintendent with a unanimous 6-0 vote. The Board was impressed by Dr. Noguchi’s leadership skills and commitment to putting students first. Before hiring her, the Board spent a day visiting with her district and talking to local stakeholders.

The Board was impressed by the way she was able to identify the skills of her staff, equip district leaders, and build effective collaboration with community leaders.

Dr. Noguchi began working for the District on July 1, 2018.

New to Modesto and Modesto City Schools, Dr. Noguchi is concentrating on listening and building relationships with the Board, staff, and the community. In the process of getting to know the District, Dr. Noguchi identified five core values that guide her decision-making: 1) Students come first in all actions and decision making; 2) A highly effective District governance team is the cornerstone to student success; 3) All students have a right to equal access to education and opportunities; 4) All people have a right to be treated with dignity and respect; 5) Build public trust and confidence through open, honest communication to foster positive relationships and propel the District forward. She is committed to building trust at all

The Board and Dr. Noguchi acknowledge the important role the community Adolfo Lopez plays in the District’s success. Dr. Noguchi looks forward to building productive relationships with the business community, other school districts, Modesto Junior College, and California State University, Stanislaus.

Moving forward, the Board and Dr. Noguchi want to work together to improve student achievement. The Board’s objective is for students to become 21st century learners, better critical thinkers, and problem solvers. Consistently disappointing test scores in the District’s elementary and junior highs is an area of concern to the entire Board and Dr. Noguchi. To address this concern, Dr. Noguchi states that instruction will concentrate on improving student reading, writing, and mathematics. “There will be a laser focus on student outcomes.”

This begins with supporting principals to be instructional leaders and equipping teachers with the curriculum and skills needed to raise student achievement. The Board and Dr. Noguchi all recognize the importance of teachers. This year, like the past several years, the District is devoting tremendous time and resources to training teachers on new curriculum, incorporating technology in their lessons, and helping teachers maintain acceptable classroom behavior.

This coming school year marks the first year the District will be using new curriculum in many areas. Students in the District’s junior high schools will go 1:1, which means that each student will be issued a laptop for school use. The laptop will deliver new, updated online curriculum and provide students a device to work with at school and home. Students will be able to take the devices home, prepare their homework on the laptop, and access educational material. Settings on the devices are updated daily to restrict students from accessing games, inappropriate websites, and social media. Already tech-savvy students will learn to use devices to create work product, such as charts, graphs, papers, history projects, science labs, and even math problems. This will make Modesto City Schools students better able to handle the technology required for success in our universities, vocational training programs, and workplaces upon graduation.

After more than a year of planning, research, and discussion, the Board unanimously voted to place two facility bond measures, Measures D and E, on the ballot in November. These measures will bring $131 million to fund facility improvements to the elementary schools in the District. The annual cost John Walker of these measures would not exceed $60 per $100,000 in assessed value (not market value) per year for properties in the elementary district.

Many of the schools in the District are over 50 years old and it has been nearly 20 years since the last investment in upgrades to the District’s school facilities. While the Board has diligently used available general funds to make necessary repairs and upgrades, the District’s aging education facilities need repairs and upgrades to meet modern academic and safety standards.

The cost of these repairs and upgrades exceed the general funds available. Updates are needed to improve campus and student security, including lighting, security cameras and fencing to control access to all campuses. Classroom and facility improvements are needed to cut utility costs and ensure the continued health and safety of all students. We need classrooms that are inviting to learning, enable teachers to use available technology, and are safe for students and staff.

The District’s schools also need upgrades and technology improvements to meet current educational standards and provide up-to-date classrooms for core academics. Supporting 21st century learning in Modesto schools will help prepare students to succeed in high school, college and careers.

Cindy Marks

Looking forward, the Board and Superintendent are committed to working together to build relationships with business, community organizations, other educational entities, parents, and the community to support the District’s students and their success. Join us in supporting Modesto City Schools as it enters this exciting chapter in their history.

To learn more, Dr. Noguchi will be a featured speaker at the Chamber’s State of Business and Education event on September 21st, at Petersen Event Center. To register to attend, please go to our website: modchamber.org.

AUGUST 2018

ADVOCACY

levels. Dr. Noguchi states that “working together we can create the conditions for ALL our students to learn the skills required to be a successful citizen in the 21st century.”

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ADVOCACY

Fighting For Our Water

By Mike Dunbar The Modesto Bee Editorial Page Editor This is a call to arms.

We’ve tried science. We’ve tried persuasion. We’ve tried to reason with the State Water Resources Control Board. For the last nine years, we’ve tried all these things and it was all worthless.

Recently, the board’s regulators released their plan to disrupt a century of California water law and demand twice as much water flow down the Tuolumne, Stanislaus and Merced rivers in a purported effort to save salmon.

This is a water grab, pure and simple. And we must fight it, not just talk about it.

The board ignored the pleas of more than 2,000 people who testified in hastily arranged meetings in December, 2016. The board ignored abundant evidence – scientific, peer-reviewed academic studies and the evidence of our own eyes – that disputed their views on salmon.

Instead, the state cherry-picked scenarios to make their case – blotting out the voices of government officials, economists, farmers and business people who know the state’s draconian actions will devastate us. To send more water to the bass-infested San Joaquin Delta (where 97 percent of all salmon juveniles are eaten), the state is willing to crucify one of the state’s poorest regions, killing jobs, hurting schools, shuttering businesses and sending the crops raised on thousands of small family farms south with the water.

But this has been the state’s plan all along.

The state’s water grab is without precedent and has implications for all of California’s water rights holders. Turlock and Modesto are the state’s oldest irrigation districts with the state’s most ironclad rights.

Like Oakdale, Merced and South San Joaquin, those rights are older than the state’s first water law.

Those districts and their farmers were applauded as they gambled their farms and livelihoods on building dams, canals and power systems.

ADVOCACY

What does the state offer as rationale for trying to take all that away?

Flawed statistics, half-baked rhetoric and misplaced sympathies.

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They pointed to 2014 when only 8,000 salmon spawned on the Tuolumne, Stanislaus and Merced rivers. Looking only at this year, they predicted the “total collapse” of the San Joaquin River system’s fisheries.

beneath the Delta so that most of the Sacramento River can be sucked south.

The state didn’t mention that the Sacramento River provides 80 percent of the water flowing into the Delta. It didn’t mention that even in our peak years, the Sacramento produces 10, even 15 times more fish than the San Joaquin and its tributaries.

Instead, we heard about the sad, sad salmon fishermen. So much hand-wringing over a couple of hundred fishing boats, you’d think it was one of California’s most vital industries. It’s not.

The entire commercial salmon catch for California has never amounted to more than $25 million, falling far behind crab in value to fishermen.

Meanwhile, they’re catching a fish that grows in staggering abundance in Oregon, Washington, Canada and Alaska. The state’s most often quoted scientists say that as the planet warms, salmon can’t survive in California.

The irrigation districts will fight this water grab in court. The rest of us must help wage a battle in the hearts, minds and stomachs of those who eat the food we grow.

Do they know where their food comes from? Do they know they’re being lied to?

The state hatched this plan a decade ago when it became clear California would lose a significant portion of the Colorado River.

So it devised this plan and tried to justify it with studies, hearings and revisions. The plan announced basically remains as it was – 40 percent of the water flowing to the ocean in hopes of saving salmon ... and sending more water south.

Tripling the water extracted from our rivers won’t save salmon, but it will devastate families. It will throw mothers and fathers out of jobs.

It will diminish the value of our ag land dramatically, cutting what we collect in taxes to fund school districts, police officers and local governments. If we aren’t willing to hold that picture up to the rest of California, we will never win this fight.

This declaration of economic war is not just about water. It’s a war over our homes, our jobs and our children.

Over the past 130 years, we’ve built our economy on water – often with the state’s enthusiastic assistance and applause. Now?

That ignored 2017 when 15,000 salmon returned to the Stanislaus alone. That ignored peer-reviewed science that showed it is often the state’s own bungling of water resources that contribute to both wasted water and dead fish.

“They speak about the people of the San Joaquin Valley as if we are parasites on the land and demand we apologize for our very existence,” said an angry Assemblyman Adam Gray after the announcement was made.

Calling the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta “an ecosystem in crisis,” the state completely ignored the companion plan to dig a tunnel 250 feet

We need to tell our stories, provide a different point of view; prove that we know better how to manage our resources – including the salmon.

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

FOCUS ON GOING GREEN Article Written With Contributions From The Chamber Staff The “Stanislaus Green Team”, a program of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, is a collaborative effort between private businesses, municipal, county solid waste divisions, economic development professionals, and the community of Stanislaus County.

The purpose of the Stanislaus Green Team is to create a nexus between commerce and environment and to enhance the delivery of the Modesto Chamber services that address economic, environmental, and quality of life issues in Modesto and Stanislaus County.

In November 2012, the Chamber embarked with this program by collaboratively searching for regional solutions to challenges facing Stanislaus County and their businesses with regards to assembly bill A32.

Simply put, by assisting businesses in “Going Green” will not only reduce their costs of doing business, but it will also help the environment and move the Stanislaus County economy forward. The speakers for the next scheduled meeting are listed below.

Dibs is a portal to all things Smart Travel for residents and businesses in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties.

Dibs helps you get to work, go to school, go shopping or travel to other destinations. Through DibsMyWay.com, people plan their travel, access transportation options, get incentives, download valuable information and even access emergency rides home.

Dibs also organizes carpools and vanpools, hosts events and recognizes champions in the community who are leading the way to save money, reduce road congestion and improve air quality. It’s about Smart Travel… your way!

MEETING: Thursday, August 16, 9:00am SPEAKERS:

Innovation: Not just insurancerisk management.

Simple. Strategic. Secure.

Van De Pol is a fuel and lubricants supplier with 10 distribution centers in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Van De Pol is an exclusive supplier of Neste MY Renewable Diesel to the Northern and Central California.

Van De Pol can deliver you an entirely renewable and sustainable fuel that delivers performance superior to diesel while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a CARB approved direct drop in replacement for diesel (ASTM D975), switching doesn’t require any additional costs.

www.capax.com 1.800.94CAPAX • 209.526.3110

Group Health • Workers Comp Home Owners & Auto • Business Insurance Giddings, Corby, Hynes Lic.# 0144783

AUGUST 2018

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NEW BRIDGE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIZES IN CONNECTIONS

By Marg Jackson Whether it’s a family looking for a home to rent or an owner looking to increase their income by renting out properties, New Bridge Management is there to make those connections happen.

“We are a property management company that manages real estate portfolios,” said Adrian Harrell, the company president who has “been here since Day 1” with the firm.

Though the staff is smaller than you might think, considering the wide ranging area they cover and the number of properties they manage, Harrell said she feels they do a good job of “compartmentalizing” so that all tasks are handled in a timely and efficient manner.

Even more than that, she said, the focus is on building a relationship of trust, both between the investors whose portfolios they manage to the clients for whom they find housing.

Harrell previously worked as a consultant for Fortune 200 companies in Europe and when she returned to California, she went into the real estate field. That eventually led to the formation of her New Bridge Management firm and she feels that offers her the ability to truly make a difference.

She said there is something deeply satisfying in knowing that you have helped a family find their ‘dream’ home – even if it is a rental – and she also has enjoyed seeing long-term tenants grow and thrive in their environment.

Harrell focuses on client relations while other staff members have specific duties. They include one person dedicated to tenants/ leasing, one who focuses on the maintenance of all the properties, one to handle the various property inspections and one dedicated to the accounting portion of the business. There are two offices, one in Turlock and one in Merced.

“It’s very rewarding, developing that long term relationship with tenants and see how we have impacted their daily lives,” Harrell said. “It’s rewarding to see a family set down roots in a home.”

They deal in residential properties, from single family homes up to multi-family units, as well as commercial properties and cover Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Merced counties.

THE FIRM WAS FORMED IN 2009 AND SINCE

“We go from Stockton all the way down to Merced, west to Patterson and east to Denair, roughly the corridor along the 99,” Harrell explained.

THEN HAS RECEIVED MULTIPLE HONORS, INCLUDING SEVERAL “BEST OF” AWARDS FOR THEIR WORK IN THE FIELD.

The firm was formed in 2009 and since then has received multiple honors, including several “Best Of” awards for their work in the field.

She said food, shelter and security go hand in hand and she’s proud her firm can work with families to provide two out of those three key ingredients.

For owners, Harrell said the firm’s goal is to “maximize the revenues to make sure they get the most money for their properties” and for tenants, they look to provide a safe and comfortable place for them to call home.

“We’re also helping investors, we evaluate assets, continually working with them to determine if it’s best to diversify or divest.”

Client portfolios are looked at on a daily basis, she added, to keep current with opportunities for growth. They also stay abreast of any new housing-related legislation or initiatives that could impact their clients and tenants.

She also noted that the company is “very involved with the community” from always being involved in the Turlock Christmas Parade to herself serving as President of the Modesto Sister Cities program for cross cultural communication and relationships.

“There are two aspects to property management,” Harrell explained. “First is moving the tenants in and out, we work to price the property so it is beneficial to the investor but not out of reach for people looking for a home.”

Ultimately, when it comes down to it, Harrell said it’s a career that brings her the best of both worlds, helping clients enhance their income and portfolios while helping families settle in.

Second, she said, is making sure the firm understands how laws at the local, state and federal levels are changing and what impact that might have.

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“We explain to our investors how they can expect their portfolios to perform in the future,” she added.

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

“Providing home and security for someone is a noble job,” Harrell said.

MODESTO CHAMBER AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHT As a board member of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, promoting a strong local economy and encouraging community development is at the heart of everything we do.

Our Ambassador Team serves as an extension of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce by visiting, educating, and regularly hearing from you, our members, about what is vital to the success of your business and to learn how we can better support you.

OUR AMBASSADOR TEAM SERVES AS AN EXTENSION OF THE MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BY VISITING, EDUCATING, AND REGULARLY HEARING FROM YOU…

I'm honored to serve as the liaison between the board and our Ambassador Team so we can more effectively hear from you and advocate for your continued success.

BRIAN MCDERMOTT Advanced Communications Consultant Brian McDermott is an active Modesto Chamber of Commerce Ambassador with 28 years of experience in Voice and Data Networking, Carrier Services and Managed Services.

A former Ambassador of the Year, Brian also runs a bicycle group called Central Valley Cruisers which you can find and like on Facebook to join them on their next ride. Brian works for TEAMSOS, a 25 year old company which provides innovative technology solutions that advance businesses and the lives of people everywhere.

BRIAN WORKS FOR TEAMSOS, A 25 YEAR OLD COMPANY WHICH PROVIDES INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS… If you need help with phone and Internet services or voice and data networking, please give Brian a call at 209-502-6465 or bmcdermott@team-sos.com

BECOME A MEMBER visit us at modchamber.org

RELATIONSHIPS

MICHAEL HOWELL

or call the Chamber office

209.577.5757

AUGUST 2018

15

KEEPING IT FRESH At Galletto Ristorante

By Virginia Still

Downtown Modesto has a variety of activities for all to enjoy, with live music all around, tap rooms, cigar lounge, shopping, and of course, dining. There are many restaurants that have come and gone in the Modesto area but one has been providing rustic and traditional Italian cuisine for years. On the corner of J and 11th streets in downtown Modesto, Galletto Ristorante offers a fine dining experience.

The former bank has a quaint and elegant ambiance that is very welcoming. With a full bar and lounge area, an outdoor patio, an upstairs event area, and the wine vault down below, there is a place for everyone at the restaurant.

“I LOVE FRESH INGREDIENTS AND I AM JUST REALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT WHERE FOOD COMES FROM AND FOOD IN GENERAL AND EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.” – Chef Stephanie Chavez

“We have great food, great service and a great atmosphere here,” said Christopher Nunes, Restaurant Manager. “I think that is how we manage to continue to grow the business and that is why we kind of have been a cornerstone in the industry here in Modesto. We are a flagship restaurant with a few others in town. I think that, for me, as the front house manager is solely based on making sure that guests have a great experience once they walk in the door to the moment they leave.”

For over five years Nunes has spent time as a server and a manager at Galletto’s but he has over 15 years’ experience in the restaurant business.

Chef Stephanie Chavez has been serving up dishes at the restaurant for about three years and has a love for Italian food and a passion for giving customers a unique and tasty experience. Using locally grown and fresh ingredients is something that she prides herself in as well.

She has spent time as sous chef at different restaurants, has done higher end catering, worked at ritzy cafes and did her culinary internship at a resort in the Grand Canyon.

DEAR BURNSIDE, THANKS FOR GIVING US OUR LAST SUMMER ROAD TRIP. LOVE, OUR FAMILY

RELATIONSHIPS

Burnside Body Shop. We Can Fix That.

WE WORK WITH ANY AND ALL INSURANCE PROVIDERS YOUR COMMUNITY | OUR COMMUNITY | SINCE 1990 209.521.6570 | BURNSIDEBODYSHOP.COM | LIKE US ON:

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

Continuing her experience Chef Stephanie brings rustic and traditional dishes to the customers at the Ristorante with fresh local ingredients like on the Margherita Pizza that has burrata cheese, basil, and marinara.

The traditional Galletto has whole leaf romaine greens, house made Italian sausage, fresh basil, salami, mozzarella cheese and homemade marinara and is served up in thin slices with all the flavors blending perfectly.

GALLETTO Page 17

People On The Move CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANK

of the Stockton and Tracy offices. Silicato, a seasoned banker with over 40 years of banking and lending experience, has served as Vice President, Branch Manager of the Floral office since 2013, in addition to serving in interim Branch Manager positions for other offices in the Visalia area.

DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER

Judy Silicato

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA … James M. Ford, President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Valley Community Bank (Bank), is pleased to announce the promotion of two new Community Banking Team Leaders for the North and South Valley regions: Toni Taboada (left), Vice President, Community Banking North Valley Team Leader and Judy Silicato (right), Vice President, Community Banking South Valley Team Leader. With nearly 40 years of banking and lending experience, Toni Taboada previously served as Vice President, Branch Manager

“I love fresh ingredients and I am just really about Continued From Page 16 passionate where food comes from and food in general and everything about it,” stated Chavez. “I like to stay pretty traditional with the ingredients. I feel like our seafood really stands out.

We only use the peak of the season for our produce and our seafood.”

GALLETTO

Seasonal fish can be found on the menu that is served up fresh daily, as well as scallops, clams, Dungeness crab with tasty sides and seasonal vegetables. A seasonal fish that they have on the menu is Ora King Salmon that they serve up with an orange and carrot puree, savory clams, and a summer salad.

The duck breast with crispy skin may make your mouth water … served with a creamy sweet pea risotto, roasted carrots and a blackberry compote.

For an Antipasto they offer a Foie Gras which is pan seared, has a strawberry compote, crushed marcona almonds, arugula, hazelnut spread with a toasted croissant.

“We like to carry things that maybe you can’t get anywhere else,” expressed Chavez. “The culinary scene is coming up in the area. I feel like a lot of the

Dr. Gaspar comes to Doctors Medical Center from the Gabrielle Gaspar Washington State Department of Corrections in Olympia, Wash., where she served as CMO. In that role, she had clinical oversight of healthcare services for 12 state correctional facilities and was a member of the Governor’s Office Health Leadership Team.

restaurants are elevating to new levels so I feel like here we try to step it up like doing traditional things well but also bringing the customer things that they have never had before.”

For something sweet to eat, guests can devour the semifreddo dessert served with chocolate croutons.

They serve lunch and dinner and have daily bar bites that change regularly. Each day they pick something special to do in the bar area for the bar bites. They host happy hour from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day during the week.

They make homemade raviolis that are filled with whatever is in season with dough that is made in house by hand. The pastry chef is there each morning to bake the bread fresh daily.

One thing that Chef Stephanie appreciates and finds to be very important is the teamwork at the restaurant.

“We are really team oriented,” stated Chavez. “We work on the menu together. It is not like a one person show. It is really a team effort.”

“Modesto is a great town and downtown continues to get better,” stated Nunes. “We are glad to be a part of that.”

AUGUST 2018

RELATIONSHIPS

Toni Taboada

MODESTO, CALIFORNIA – Gabrielle Gaspar, M.D., has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Doctors Medical Center in Modesto and the Northern California Group for Tenet Healthcare, effective June 25, 2018.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Caltrans San Joaquin County — Caltrans will improve and extend the service life of three bridges on Interstate 5 (I-5) in San Joaquin County, due to the funds from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

Crews will work on the left and right bridges at the Smith Canal in Stockton, and the bridge at the I-5/State Route 120 Separation Overhead, just south of the city of Lathrop and west of the city of Manteca. More than 152,000 motorists per day use the bridges to reach their destination, and nearly 33,000 truckers per day use these segments of I-5.

Approximately 80 percent of the trucks on the interstate have five-plus axles.

Work will occur during the night, Monday through Friday, and motorists will encounter lane and ramp closures. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, use alternate routes, and Be Work Zone Alert.

Stanislaus Library Foundation Library Foundation to Host Trio of Local Authors at Gala Fundraiser

Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group Ranked Fourth in Nation as 2018 ‘Best Civil Engineering Firm to Work For’ 286 W. Cromwell Avenue Fresno, CA 93711-6162 Tel: (559) 449-2700 Fax: (559) 449-2715 www.ppeng.com FRESNO, CA: The Zweig Group, a leading publishing company, recently ranked Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group fourth overall among the “2018 Best Civil Engineering Firms to Work For” nationwide. Provost & Pritchard ranked the highest of all California firms. This marks the third consecutive year that Provost & Pritchard has been ranked in the top five in the nation.

“It is so refreshing to be at a firm that truly acts according to their core values, that respects their employees and is dedicated to making sure they have the flexibility to grow their career and still be at their child’s last day of preschool,” said Brandon Stipe, Senior Engineer. “I can’t imagine a better firm to work for!”

Walmart Walmart chooses Brandman University for new college credit program

Annual event features gourmet meal, guest speakers and auction Three local authors will be guests and featured speakers at the Stanislaus Library Foundation’s annual Authors Garden Gala fundraising event on Saturday, Sept. 22. The gala will take place at 6 p.m., outdoors at a private Modesto residence.

All proceeds will benefit children’s programs at the library’s 13 branches countywide, including the Summer Reading program, which serves more than 10,000 school-age children each year.

Jeff Jardine (“Home to the Brave: Remembrances of War Brought Home to One Small Dot on a Map”), Ken White (“Touchstones: Life and Times of Modesto”) and Paula Treick DeBoard, author of four books including “Here We Lie” (2018) will discuss the writing process and ways living in The Central Valley have influenced their work.

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

Walmart unveiled a new associate education benefit aimed at removing barriers to college and graduation.

B r a n d m a n University is one of three higher education institutions chosen to provide the benefit.

“Degrees will be offered through the University of Florida, Brandman University and Bellevue University – nonprofit schools selected for their focus and strong outcomes on serving working adult learners,” according to Walmart’s official statement. Arrangements were made in partnership with Guild Education, an education benefits platform that already includes Brandman as an option for other partners in its program.

Walmart made its choices based on affordability, relevance, accessibility and the kind of support students would receive both from Guild and the universities.

Learn How To: • Identify the personal and organizational values that drive you as a leader • Create alignment between your personal values and vision and those of the business or team • Share a compelling vision for the future that drives action today • Understand the values-infused role of a leader in culture-building and team support • Sustain your organization's values and vision during times of change • Establish your own legacy as a leader The Modesto Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Modesto Junior College, presents the Disney Institute: Approach to Leadership Excellence. This premier will take place on November 1, at the MJC West Campus, Mary Stuart Roger’s Center.

At Disney Institute, we believe leadership is not defined by your title, but by your actions. Your values inform how you lead, creating an example for others to follow.

Our Leadership Excellence course is based on a timetested approach demonstrated by exemplary leaders.

We've learned that leaders who intentionally nurture an environment of mutual trust and respect tend to drive stronger employee performance, which leads to exceptional customer service—and ultimately—improved business results.

Time Information: Registration/Breakfast: 8:00 AM Disney Program Begins: 9:00 AM End of Session: 5:00 PM Sponsorship Packages and Group Sales: Contact Trish Christensen, Modesto Chamber Coordinator Ph: 209.577.5757 ext. 106 Email: tchristensen@modchamber.org

Event

Fees/Admission: $495/person – Chamber Member Price $550/person – Non-Chamber Member Price

Branching Out for 45 Years In the last 45 years, we’ve been growing local businesses—and our own.

At Grimbleby Coleman, we’ve been helping clients like you since 1973.

Trust our team of advisors to find solutions as unique as your business needs.

it’s the people behind the numbers.

Contact us today at 209-527-4220 or gccpas.net

AUGUST 2018

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RELATIONSHIPS

Ribbon C uttings

Addiction Free Recovery Services

United Capital Financial Life Management

5404 Kiernan Ave. Salida, CA 95368

1200 Scenic Drive, Suite 111, Modesto, CA 95350

Graceada Park – Leadership Modesto

The JRP Group

Latino Community Roundtable 627 13th Street, Ste. C Modesto, CA 95354

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

Please join us for a very special Ribbon Cutting on August 14th at 11 a.m. at Modesto Amtrak Station!

NEW SACRAMENTO MORNING EXPRESS GET TO SACRAMENTO BEFORE 8AM AND BE HOME BY DINNER!

Skip the traffic. Enjoy the view. And get to Sacramento before 8AM with the new Morning Express train!

Work with free Wi-Fi, snooze in spacious seating or sit back, relax and enjoy the view on your way to the capital city.

FARES FROM MODESTO

MODESTO SCHEDULE

One-Way

NORTHBOUND:

$15 10-Ride

Train #

Departure Arrival MOD SAC

701 (Mon-Fri)

5:57AM

7:46AM

(SaSuHo)

6:47AM

8:36AM

9:36AM

11:15AM

(5 Round-Trips)

$109 30% OFF Monthly Pass $291 50% OFF

703

AMENITIES • •

Departure Arrival SAC MOD

702

12:41PM

2:10PM

704

5:30PM

6:59PM

“The Morning Express is an answer to the congestion we all experience on the way up to Sacramento.

Traveling frequently between Modesto and Sacramento is so much easier and more productive.”

No Middle Seat – Relax

and enjoy your trip

•

Café Car – Enjoy a regional selection of snacks, sandwiches, small meals and beverages

•

Spacious Train Cars –

•

Free Onboard Bicycle Racks—Bring your bike for

SOUTHBOUND: Train #

Free Wi-Fi – Catch up on work or browse the web

Stretch out, walk around, or visit with your friends and family

that last mile or just for fun

Rosa De León Park, Executive Director StanCOG

BOOK NOW: AMTRAKSANJOAQUINS.COM OR 1-800-USA-RAIL AUGUST 2018

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Congratulations

LENDING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

TO THIS MONTH'S MILESTONE MEMBERSHIPS

50 + years HOUSE OF CARPETS/CARPET ONE FLOOR & HOME BOYETT PETROLEUM

40 + years MISTLIN HONDA STANISLAUS COUNTY FARM BUREAU STANISLAUS MEDICAL SOCIETY PRIEST AMISTADI

Mike Garcia

Victoria Gaffney

Nate Benninger

Teddi Lowry

Commercial Banking Market Manager 209.343.7607

Commercial Loans 209.343.7601

Sarah Williams Treasury Management 209.320.7852

30 + years MODESTO TRANSFER & STORAGE DIAMOND S. RANCH

25 + years SCM HOMES

20 + years SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF MODESTO BURTON'S FIRE, INC.

15 + years VALLEY BMW

10 + years

12th & I Street Branch Manager 209.343.7609

Dale Road Branch Manager 209.579.3371

Sylvia Orozco

McHenry Avenue Branch Manager 209.579.3365

We’re committed to supporting the borrowing needs of the communities we serve. Here are a few examples of projects we’ve recently financed for clients.

$3.8M

Manufacturing Facility & Equipment Loan/SBA 504

$1.8M Ag Land

$9.5M

$2.5M

$2.0M

$250K

Commercial Real Estate - Medical Center

Ag Production Line of Credit

Asset-Based Commercial Line of Credit

Commercial Real Estate - Retail

HY-LOND HEALTH CARE MODESTO

RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION

CARDOZA FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP NICK SCIABICA & SONS M.G. COMMODITIES THE HOUSE MODESTO ELLIS SELF STORAGE NATIONAL AG SCIENCE CENTER FORES MACKO, A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION UNO CHICAGO GRILL OMEGA PACIFIC INSURANCE MODESTO POLICE OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION DOCTORS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER-DMC

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Call us about your next project today!

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

866.844.7500 • ovcb.com Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson Escalon • Ripon • Stockton • Manteca • Tracy

Grammy Awardwinning musician Amy Grant will be the first performer to take the stage at the new Fruit Yard Amphitheater in Modesto on Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.

FRUIT YARD AMPHITHEATER Welcomes Amy Grant To Stage

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

By Virginia Still

“The owner always had the vision and decided to take it to the next level with the idea to create a beautiful outdoor venue for the community to have,” stated Chad Smith, Fruit Yard General Manager. “We wanted to kick off the amphitheater with a respectable artist and act. Amy Grant is a well-respected contemporary Christian artist with six Grammys to her name and we felt she was an obvious choice. We have always done donations and fundraisers for the local community and some of the proceeds from this event will be going to the Modesto Gospel Mission.”

With over 30 years in the business, Grant has sold over 30 million albums worldwide with songs that have hit the top of the pop charts, adult contemporary charts, and multiple contemporary Christian chart toppers like “Baby Baby,” “El Shaddai,” “I Will Remember You,” Breath of Heaven,” and “Father’s Eyes.”

Music has always been a part of her life, from listening to records with her older sisters to singing at church every Sunday. Although there are many artists that have made an impression on her over the years, Grant said the two artists that stood out were Carole King and Joni Mitchell, both noted as having a huge influence on her music and career.

“I don’t remember a specific moment that I knew I would make a career out of music, but I always knew I wanted to create something beautiful, and I’ve been fortunate to do that through word and melody for most of my life,” stated Grant. “My favorite part of my work is the opportunity to bring people together. Whether it’s through music, performing, writing, speaking, or hosting an event, I love welcoming everyone to the moment.”

In 2005, Grant began hosting an NBC Prime Time series “Three Wishes” where she met people and heard stories that inspired her music and motivated her to write a book called “Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far.” She is a keynote and inspirational speaker as well sharing her stories with people all over the country.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the song “Baby Baby” and the Heart in Motion album, Grant collaborated with pop artist Tori Kelly for a remake of the pop hit a couple years ago.

“Tori is one of the most gifted vocalists on the planet,” added Grant. “It was so much fun to hear her fresh take on a song I’ve sung so many times over the course of my career, and a memorable way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the song and Heart in Motion.”

She has an annual Christmas residency with her husband, country singer Vince Gill at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

“It probably goes without saying that my favorite artist to work with is my sweet husband, Vince,” expressed Grant. “Christmas is my favorite time of the year. There’s nothing sweeter than sharing that stage with my husband night after night, making Christmas memories with our family and so many dear friends in the audience.”

Bringing her pop hits, faith-based songs, and just overall feel-good jams to the Fruit Yard, Grant and her band want audiences in the 209 to prepare for a ton of fun. Christian artist Tim Timmons will open the show on that Friday night in August.

“We live in a world where people are constantly at odds with each other, and the creative arts offer us a unique way to find common ground and celebrate the things we all have in common,” explained Grant. “I’m excited to be the first artist playing at the new Fruit Yard amphitheater and looking forward to a great night of music in Modesto.”

The new amphitheater will be host to a wide variety of entertainment for audiences including comedy shows, ballet, as well as some fundraiser events, according to Smith.

Guests are allowed to bring in low beach chairs and blankets for general admission in the lawn area and there is onsite parking for a small fee.

Tickets are available through the website www.thefruityardevents.com or ticketmaster.com. For more information call 209-577-3969.

Our vision is to help each child discover their unique potential.

Our mission is to build trust, rapport, and a love for learning, giving students a solid foundation to continue growing and developing.

Serving Stanislaus County NOW ACCEPTING HEALTH PLAN OF SAN JOAQUIN

Learn more about our wide variety of services at

EDUCATION

Get ready for a special night of music in Modesto. The Traina family is no stranger to bringing entertainment to the Central Valley, hosting a variety of concerts at the Fruit Yard in Modesto over the years. However, they have stepped it up a notch and recently completed construction of a new amphitheater that can seat approximately 3,500 people. Gracing the stage for the grand opening celebration of the new venue will be singersongwriter, author, host, speaker, and Grammy Award winner Amy Grant.

She will perform in concert on Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.

www.autismbehaviorservices.com or call 855-581-0100

AUGUST 2018

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September has two Featured events!

Harvest Luncheon

Location: MJC ACE Ag Pavilion Date: September 14, 2018 Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Individual Ticket Price: $25 General Admission Investing in the future of our area’s most prominent industry is the hallmark of this 57th year event. Drawing upwards of 800 attendees, Harvest Luncheon brings national, state and local leaders of agriculture together with community leaders. The lunch features Valley products like Mape’s Ranch tri-tip, beans and locally grown produce. Proceeds from the Harvest Luncheon are used exclusively for the Modesto Chamber of Commerce Voss-Berryhill Modesto Junior College Ag Scholarship Program.

Our Harvest Luncheon Sponsorship levels are as follows: Platinum $5,000

Silver $750

Gold $2,500

Table $350

Equipment $1,500

Individual Tickets $25 each

Location: Martin Petersen Event Center Date: September 21, 2018 Time: 7:00 am to 9:00 am Individual Tickets: $30 Our 8th Annual event will showcase the new and returning leaders of Modesto City School District, Stanislaus Office of Education, Modesto Junior College, and California State University, Stanislaus. These leaders will be sharing their vision on “Cradle to Career”, the five action teams, and how that model will make a difference for our community, government, and business world.

EDUCATION

Our State of Business & Education Sponsorship levels are as follows:

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Presenting $2,500

Intern $1000

Leader $2,000

Speaker $500

Mentor $1,500

Table $200

Individual ticket $30

To purchase tickets, commit to sponsor, or request more information, please visit www.modchamber.org EVENTS, or call the Modesto Chamber of Commerce office at 209-577-5757~ MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

The Regions Premier

BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Progress Magazine is the only Monthly Business magazine in the Central Valley.

Readership includes Business Owners, Business Managers, Government leaders active in the community, community decision makers, participants in community outreach and clubs.

Call one of our offices to be part of Progress magazine Modesto 209-577-5757 Manteca 209-249-3505

Turlock 209-634-9141

Oakdale 209-847-3021 AUGUST 2018

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Welcome to the Leadership Modesto Class of 2018 – 2019!

By Amy Vickery Facilitated by the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Modesto is a 10 month long program that identifies, educates and helps motivate community leaders into change makers in the community. The journey begins with a weekend retreat in Pacific Grove that focuses on team building, personal insights and leadership skills development. Over the course of the year, nine one-day seminars provide an in depth perspective on how our city works. Days are shaped by leaders across several disciplines. Day seminars include public safety, local government, community services, education, healthcare, business, arts and culture, and land use and infrastructure, and commerce and agriculture. In addition, the class will participate in a visit to the state capital that exposes the group to lawmakers and stakeholders at the state level.

The Leadership Modesto program has an astounding 34 year history of inspiring, growing and uniting high quality leadership in our community. It provides a unique opportunity for participants to meet and exchange ideas, network with community leaders, learn about local needs along with regional issues and begin the important self-development necessary to assume leadership roles. At the end of each year, class participants are responsible for a class project of their choosing.

SERVICE

ride

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

This coming year we welcome Enriqueta Maldonado (Modesto Irrigation District), Thomas Moffett (Modesto Police Department), Peter Kroeze (Prime Shine), Randy Clark (TSM Insurance), Jeannette Chimerofsky (NAI Benchmark), Jason Word (Modesto Irrigation District), DeAnne McCoy (Comcast), Tony Jordan (Stanislaus County Office of Education), Amber Wright (Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department), Monica Houston (City of Modesto), Zachary Brockman (Modesto Nuts), Veronica Jacuinde (Boys & Girls Club of Stanislaus County), Joanne Ramos (Self Employed), Dana Ferreira (Modesto Irrigation District), Lauren Schmidt (Huff Construction), Vinal Chand (Stanislaus County Workforce Development), Jacquelyn Howell (Atherton & Associates), Joe Garcia (Doctors Medical Center), Adriane Reams (Grimbleby Coleman CPAs), and Juan Marquez III (Valley First Credit Union).

For more information on the Leadership Modesto program, visit modchamber.org.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS HELPING MEET LOCAL NEEDS

By Veronica Jacuinde

The non-profit organization offers a variety of innovative enrichment programs to empower and inspire young people to realize their full potential.

With school back in session soon, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County (BGCSTAN) offers a safe, fun and nurturing environment during after school hours when students might otherwise be home alone. Many working parents are faced with the dilemma of what to do with their children when school lets out and are left unsupervised while they remain at work. For only $10 a year, BGCSTAN provides innovative enrichment programs to address this issue and in the process builds a brighter future for the

THERE IS A FOCUS ON HEALTH AND NUTRITION. THE CLUB HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES IN THIS AREA WITH 91 PERCENT OF THEIR MEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

local youth they serve.

BGCSTAN offers a rich selection of programs that provide vital information so members can make intelligent choices in all aspects of their life. Members get help with their homework and participate in sports, art, robotics, drama, yoga and much more. Staff role models help motivate them to realize their full potential as caring, productive, responsible individuals.

Members have fun while they learn to socialize, build self-confidence and develop leadership skills. The ‘Junior

Staff’ program for 13to 18-yearolds provides work experience, community service opportunities and college campus tours.

With an emphasis on education, the Clubs have a profound impact when 93 percent of members expect to graduate from high school and 86 percent of members expect to attend college.

There is a focus on health and nutrition. The Club has made great strides in this area with 91 percent of their members participating in regular physical activity. With exercise programs like ‘Triple Play,’ members learn how eating right, keeping fit and forming positive relationships add up to a healthy lifestyle.

Clubs are diverse and responsive to the needs of those from various socioeconomic backgrounds. This is key when 78 percent of the families served earn an annual income of $30,000 or less and 52 percent of members qualify for free or reduced priced lunches. The Club serves the most under resourced communities where the youth need us most.

BGCSTAN was founded in 2013 and currently has four locations. The West Modesto Club is a traditional style club open to any student in Stanislaus County ages 6 to 18 years old. The remaining three Clubs, located at Somerset Middle School, C.F. Brown Elementary and Sylvan Elementary, are open specifically to students attending those schools.

SERVICE

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County provides a safe and fun place for students to keep learning after school.

For information on registration visit www.BGCStan.org or pick up an application at the administrative office located at 422 McHenry Avenue in Modesto, California.

For questions call (209) 222-5826 or email vjacuinde@ bgcstan.org.

JULY 2018

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Serving Those In Need At Family Justice Center Article Written With Contributions From The SFJC Staff The Stanislaus Family Justice Center (SFJC) offers compassion and hope to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking through collaborative and coordinated services with county agencies and other non-profits. These services are offered at no cost to the client and in one safe place on a walk-in basis. Our on-site county partners are Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Community Services Agency/CAIRE Center, District Attorney’s Office, and the Sheriff’s Department. Our non-profit partners are Haven Women’s Center, Without Permission, Sierra Vista Children and Family Services and Center for Human Services. The SFJC programs include Civil Legal Assistance, Trauma Support Services (Mental Health), Chaplaincy and Child Care.

Victims of family violence are often ashamed and frightened – and leaving their abuser may mean giving up a home, financial security, and personal possessions. Many also have children to consider. This is daunting enough experts say, but when you add in the challenge of the court system – and trying to figure out on your own which agencies can help – it quickly becomes overwhelming. Then you have to tell your story over and over again to strangers, who may or may not speak your native language. The SFJC, through its partners and programs, wraps clients in supportive services at one location.

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All services are client-driven, meaning that the client chooses which services to access. Clients receive safety planning, lethality assessment, and counseling. Our legal unit assists clients with restraining orders, child custody orders, divorce and immigration.

Advocates also may accompany clients to court, as available. Haven Women’s Center offers support groups for victims of domestic violence. A recent partnership with Brandman University has provided trauma support services through Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) trainees. Sierra Vista Family and Children Services and Center for Human Services also provide mental health services and PTSD and substance abuse group counseling.

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Children who have reported being victims of child abuse come to the SFJC through the CAIRE (Child Abuse Interview, Referral and Evaluation) Center, a program of the Community Services Agency. An interview is scheduled for the child and their parent(s) or guardian(s) by the Detective. The interview is conducted by a trained forensic interviewer and is audio and video recorded. While the child is being interviewed, the parent/guardian meets with representative from Haven, BHRS and DA Victim Services who give an overview of how their agency can assist them. BHRS provides two mental health clinicians who offer counseling on site for the children.

The Adverse Childhood Experience Study (https://www.cdc.gov/ violenceprevention/acestudy/index.html) revealed that behavioral and health issues in adulthood are often the result of childhood trauma. The SFJC works with adults as well as their children to end the cycle of violence. Children are provided trauma-informed care in MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

the Kids Zone while their parent is receiving services. Children who have been affected by domestic violence or sexual assault can participate in Kids Count, Teens Count, Kids Trust and Teen Trust – groups offered by Haven Women’s Center which use A Windows Between Worlds art curriculum as a therapeutic tool to articulate the trauma in their lives. BHRS can offer counseling to any child in the county who has experienced trauma in their lives.

Children are also eligible to attend Camp Hope in the summer – the first camp for this population of children. Statistics show children exposed to violence are more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, run away from home, be victims of human trafficking, and commit sexual assault crimes. Camp Hope improves outcomes for these children using evidencebased practices that improve their ability to make and reach their goals.

The SFJC has other partnerships in the community. Chaplains are available for spiritual counseling. Agreements with CSU Stanislaus and MJC allow students to be exposed to many agencies within the SFJC and complete their practicum hours in Child Development, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Human Services. Save Mart foods provides bakery goods on a weekly basis and water for special events. Community volunteers assist with child care, reception, administration, tabling events and special events for the SFJC. The SFJC offers community education through films at the State Theatre in January (Human Trafficking Awareness Month), April (Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness Month) and October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month). These films are free to the public through the generosity of CSU Stanislaus, Stanislaus Office of Education, Without Permission and the Stanislaus County Commission on Women.

People often come into the SFJC traumatized and in crisis, and we see them leave with a sense of hope. We could not do this without the support of the community. Our funding is through federal state and local grants and individual and business donors.

We are so grateful to those who support the work that we do so that we can support those in need.

Our upcoming events are: August 4 – Bowling Benefit at McHenry Bowl August 16 – Business After Hours – co-hosting with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce September 24 – SFJC Golf Tournament – Spring Creek Golf Course We are proud to have recently been selected

by Senator Cathleen Galgiani as the NonProfit of the Year for her district.

PRESIDENT’S CLUB CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE PLATINUM LEVEL E. & J. Gallo Winery Kaiser Permanente Walmart Walmart Neighborhood Market

DIAMOND LEVEL Bank of the West Beard Land & Investment Co. Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc. Doctors Behavioral Health Center-DMC Doctors Medical Center-DMC Frito-Lay Co., Inc. Pacific Southwest Container, Inc. Physician Referral Service-DMC

GOLD LEVEL 5.11, Inc. Crystal Creamery Doubletree by Hilton Modesto Fiscalini Cheese Company HealthSouth Rehabilitation of Modesto Memorial Medical Center Modesto Irrigation District Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball RACOR, Division of Parker Hannifin Corp.

Sysco Central California Inc. Taco Bell

SILVER LEVEL American Chevrolet American Medical Response

Aramark Uniform Services Atherton & Associates, LLP Bank of Stockton - Dale Road Bank of Stockton - Modesto Main Branch Brightwood College California State University, Stanislaus Care One Home Health and Hospice, Inc. Central Sanitary Supply Co. Central Valley Automotive Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Central Valley Nissan Central Valley Specialty Hospital Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino Clark Pest Control Cloudy in California COIT Services Inc. Collins Electrical Comcast Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios, Pacher & Silva Del Monte Plant Delta Sierra Beverage English Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Hospital F&M Bank Final Cut Media Flooring Liquidators, Inc. Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto, LLC Food Maxx Galletto Ristorante Gianelli Nielsen

Gilton Solid Waste Mgmt, Inc. Golden Valley Health Centers Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc. Grover Landscape Services, Inc. I.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc. Infiniti of Modesto International Paper Co. Iron Mountain, Inc. JS West & Companies Lewis Capital Advisors Maxx Value Foods Mercer Foods Mocse Credit Union Modesto Toyota O'Brien's Market Oak Valley Community Bank Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Panelized Structures Inc. Pepsi Bottling Group PMZ Real Estate Prime Shine Car Wash Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. Rogers Jewelry Co. San Joaquin Valley College Save Mart Supermarkets Seven-Up Bottling Co. Smile Shine Family Dental Solecon Industrial Contractors Solid Networks, Inc. Stanislaus Food Products Co. Stanislaus Surgical Hospital Storer Coachways Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

Telcion Communications Group The Eberhardt School of Business The Modesto Bee TSM Insurance & Financial Services Turlock Irrigation District Union Bank US Bank Valley BMW Valley Children's Healthcare Valley First Credit Union Valley Lexus Vintage Faire Mall W.H. Breshears, Inc. Warden's Office Furniture Outlet Warden's Office Products Center Wells Fargo Bank Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency Yosemite Meat Co., Inc.

CONTACT THE CHAMBER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRESIDENT'S CLUB LEVEL BENEFITS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS ■ ACCESS PLUS CAPITAL 1625 I Street, Modesto CA 95354 (209) 201-1193

■ JOAQUIN ROOFING CO. 3015 Dale C.t, Ste. B, Cerees CA 95307 (209) 312-9109

209MAGAZINE.COM

■ MOORE’S KARATE 9TH ST./KID’S KARATE MODESTO 142 N. 9th Street, Modesto CA 95350 (209) 552-5233

WE’VE GOT THE 209 COVERED AUGUST 2018

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ADDICTION FREE RECOVERY SERVICES

By Jennifer Konradi

Comfort and security when faced with something that most people think they will never get through, is crucial. Addiction Free Recovery Services in Modesto offers this support and so much more. As a social program, they focus on peer support, relearning responses to challenges, stress and anxiety through real life experiences.

Addiction Free Recovery Services understand that addiction affects the whole family and the community at large. The Zoerb family, founders of the organization, was faced with this exact challenge when their son faced his own addiction head on. Instead of simply educating themselves on his condition, they chose to take it a step further.

OPENING AND SUCCESSFULLY RUNNING ADDICTION FREE RECOVERY SERVICES IS A HUGE ATTRIBUTE TO THE FAMILIES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY. THE PROGRAM STRIVES TO MAKE EVERYTHING A FAMILY-ORIENTED EXPERIENCE THROUGH THEIR WEEKLY FAMILY

SERVICE

GROUP MEETINGS. “Maybe this speaks to my being a control freak, but we wanted to be a part of it, so the one thing that was important to us was that we had a location that was near enough that we could check on our son and make sure that he was doing well,” said Ted Zoerb.

Opening and successfully running Addiction Free Recovery Services is a huge attribute to the families within our community.

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

The program strives to make everything a family-oriented experience through their weekly family group meetings. Family participation matters and is helpful in the treatment of addiction.

Their main mission is to address the challenges unique to each individual and approach each using the latest and most innovative treatments available for those struggling with any sort of addiction.

Addiction Free Recovery Services offers residential treatment in their Salida location, specializing in a compassionate approach to addiction treatment. Upon meeting any of the counselors, it is clear to see they not only understand the difficulty in admitting there is a problem, they ensure that each individual takes the correct initial steps to positively and successfully deal with drug addiction.

Addiction Free Recovery Services also has a certified outpatient clinic located in Modesto and provides two years of aftercare for those who complete their 30-day residential treatment and outpatient programs. The services they provide lets each individual know that treatment doesn’t have to be an intimidating experience, but instead something to look forward to when it comes to future success.

Please join them for their Alumni Event held on October 7th, 2018.

For more information contact by phone at 209.579.3301 or visit their website at www.addictionfreemodesto.com.

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